When sitting down to write a piece that summarises the season past, I am always tempted to try to resist mentioning the weather too much, but it occurs to me that it is such an integral part of the ‘Game Cycle’ that it is hard not so to do, so inevitably, I fall into the trap!
The changes in our weather over the last 40 years have been pronounced – I remember iron-hard furrows left by ploughs and stiff with frost, weeks of snow to work with and the Westcountry ‘keepers best friend – wet weather and a gentle wind, which encouraged birds to stay in the woods and crops and not go a-wandering – These conditions were helpful and the norm back then.
Nowadays, I seldom wear gloves, clearing the windscreen of morning frost happens on just a handful of days and snow seldom falls, and lays for no time.
This ‘weird’ weather has significant effect in the summer months too, making covert crop establishment tricky and it makes rearing and releasing difficult and confines elements to smaller windows.
This last season was no different. Endless wet days as we approached the autumn equinox followed by flat, dull ones, often with a persistent easterly wind, as we started pheasants in leafy woodland and covert crops.
But, and my point here is, that the modern-day ‘keeper and shoot manager has adapted and excelled, and despite all the meteorological changes, seem to produce better and better sport.
So, when you turn up your coat collar at Cheltenham, open an umbrella at Ascot or Henley or wait for the Wimbledon roof to close – spare a thought for the game birds being hatched, reared and released as the following season depends on it.
It’s been a great season, not vintage, but very good.
Poor old Lagopus Scotticus in both the Pennines and Scotland, suffered hugely with a cold, late spring followed by prolonged, fatal, wet spells for chicks, and it will be a while before most moors bounce back. That said, mother nature is remarkable at recovery – so let’s pray for helpful nesting and hatching seasons. Lowland flocks of pheasants and partridges did well, and many opening days were surprisingly good and showed strong birds and this trend continued.
We should all raise out caps and hats to those that work tirelessly to produce the sport we so love. ‘Keepers totally dedicated to hugely long hours and commitment; loaders, beaters and pickers up who help make the days tick, and all the supporting folk, be they agricultural contractors, chefs, land and sporting agents and the all-important owners and lease-holders and, above all, those of you who support it all. Thank you.
